Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher Dead

Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher died Friday evening at 85, from complications related to kidney and bladder cancer. Among other things, Warren was known for presiding over diplomatic relations with China and conducting negotiations in the Middle East. In 1981, he received the Medal of Freedom for his role in negotiating the release of 52 American hostages in Iran, while serving as deputy secretary of State for President Jimmy Carter. Christopher then served as America’s chief diplomat for four years as part of the Clinton administration, overseeing the negotiation of the 1995 Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian war. Warren is survived by his wife, four children, and five grandchildren. [CNN, NYT]